Digital euro enters final talks — but it’s years from your pocket

Trilogue started 13 July; a ~€3,000 holding cap is on the table.

Parliament and Council opened final negotiations on the digital euro on 13 July, aiming for a political deal by the end of 2026. Provisionally on the table: a holding cap of around €3,000 per person and anonymity for small payments — both still being fought over. The ECB pencils in a pilot around 2027 and earliest issuance in 2029, and only after a separate ECB decision.

For youCash isn’t going anywhere. This would add a public, ECB-backed way to pay next to cards and apps — the privacy details are the part worth watching.

Next: Political deal targeted for end-2026.

Verified against the sources above on 18 July 2026. Plain-language summary — not the legal text and not legal advice.